Lens Driver Connector Layout for Slim OIS Camera Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to develop a slim-structured lens driving device that can accommodate an activating length of an elastic member for Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) function within the confines of a thinner smartphone, while preventing lens deviation due to shocks.

Innovation Solution

The lens driving device comprises a housing, a bobbin, a first coil, a magnet, a base, a substrate with a second coil, an upper elastic member, a support member, and a terminal member. The terminal member includes a first connector coupled to the substrate and a second connector coupled to the support member, with the second connector disposed under the first connector. This configuration allows for a reduced overall length of the lens driving device while maintaining effective OIS functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the camera module is made thinner to meet smartphone design requirements, then the overall size is reduced, but the activating length of the elastic member for OIS function becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall length of camera moduleVSAvoidOIS function effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the second connector of the terminal member to be disposed under the first connector in the vertical direction. This spatial rearrangement allows the elastic member to achieve its required activating length within the constrained z-axis thickness of the camera module, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the conflict between compact size and OIS performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal member is designed with a nested structure where the second connector is positioned underneath the first connector. This nested arrangement allows the electrical connection components to be stacked vertically, freeing up horizontal space and enabling the elastic member to have sufficient activating length for effective OIS operation within the thin camera module profile

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the elastic member length is increased to improve OIS function, then the OIS performance is enhanced, but the overall length of the lens driving device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOIS function effectivenessVSAvoidoverall length of lens driving device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the connector arrangement from a horizontal layout to a vertical stacking configuration. By disposing the second connector under the first connector, the design achieves sufficient elastic member length for effective OIS without increasing the overall device length, as the connection components now occupy the vertical dimension rather than extending the horizontal footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of moving object

If the connector arrangement is changed to achieve slim structure, then the device thickness is reduced, but the electrical connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal member employs a nested connector structure where the second connector is positioned underneath the first connector. This nested design maintains secure electrical connections while enabling a slim device profile, as the connectors are stacked vertically rather than extending horizontally, thus preserving connection reliability within reduced thickness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The slim-structured lens driving device achieves a reduced overall length, allowing for a more compact camera module design within thinner smartphones. This configuration also reduces the tilt angle during handshake correction, minimizing image quality degradation and preventing lens disengagement due to shocks.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic interaction between the magnet and the first coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

by an electromagnetic interaction between the magnet and the first coil; a second coil arranged on the second circuit board facing the magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

an upper elastic member disposed on an upper portion of the bobbin and coupled to the bobbin and the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3457189B1Lens driving device, camera module, and portable device
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3457189B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3457189B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3457189B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present embodiment of the present invention relates to a lens driving device, comprising: a housing; a bobbin disposed in the housing; a first coil disposed on the bobbin; a magnet which is disposed on the housing and faces the first coil; a base disposed under the housing; a substrate which is disposed on an upper surface of the base and comprises a circuit member including a second coil facing the magnet; an upper elastic member disposed on an upper portion of the bobbin and coupled to the bobbin and the housing; a support member coupled to the upper elastic member; and a terminal member elastically connecting the support member with the substrate, wherein the terminal member comprises; a first connector coupled to the substrate; and a second connector coupled to the support member; and wherein the second connector is disposed at a position lower than the first connector.